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Wednesday, December 02, 2009

If you were going to do one tourist thing* in New York, what would it be?**

When Boy and I went to NYC back in foreverago, we had no money. We had enough for food (cheap food) and our beds at the YMCA and next to nothing extra. But we were in New York for the first time and we were young and silly and we felt that we just had to do something New Yorky. Given our lack of funds we had to pick our tourist attractions wisely. Which we didn't. We went to the Empire State Building and it was a lot like being poked in the eye with a sharp stick. Repeatedly.

On the plus side we did get to take this picture, which almost makes it worth it.

It's funny that you posted that picture, because as soon as I read the first sentence of your post, I was going to say that a cruise 'round Manhattan is probably the one touristy thing that's really worth it!

As is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Totally totally worth it, and free!!

Oh, and maybe eating at one of the famous NYC pizzeria, like Grimaldi's in bklyn (it's nice to combine this with the bklyn bridge walk.)

YES to the Tenement Museum. On a similar note, I was at a lecture a couple of weeks ago that talked a lot about these people:

http://www.soundwalk.com/

They run about 40 audio tours through bits of New York, especially trying to get tourists to explore the less touristy neighbourhoods. They seem like fantastic tours; combos of music, neighbourhood history, and people's personal narratives. You buy a tour for something like $6 and download it onto your phone or mp3 player and go! I absolutely cannot wait to do one of these the next time that I'm in New York.

Taking the Staten Island ferry. You get to see the Statue of Liberty up close and then on the way back to the city, the views of Manhattan are incredible. Even better if you go at sunset/night, then all the buildings are lit up. Even though I'm not a tourist I still like to do this every now and again. And the best part: its free!

i'm with stacy; the staten island ferry is a marvelous thing (i ride it for kicks every now and again as well).

a close second would be walking down the mall in central park toward bethesda fountain. i've been here for years and years now, and talking that walk a few weeks ago filled me with such city-love that i felt a bit drunk.

I always end up at the Met. Generally because there's a costume exhibition going on. Actually, I normally come to town to see the costume exhibition at the Met, which may explain why I always end up there. It's my NY Mecca.

I'd say the sculpture garden on the roof of the met, but it's only open btwn "late spring and late fall." Do go to the met though. It's suggested admission, for fuck's sake. You can get in for a quarter.

Gah...do real things-Ride the Staten Island FerryGet lost at Macys-find the wood escalatorsEat a slice folded the long way with grease dripping down your armLaugh at the naked cowboy in Times SquareFind a few great neighborhoods in Brooklyn, or Queens, or the Bronx-real people live there and real food is served in those restaurants

Staten Island Ferry: FREE! (yes, there are some free things to do in NYC)Take a scenic ride on the ferry with an excellent view of lower Manhattan, the Statue of liberty and Ellis Island. Grab a seat or stand on the outer decks for the best view. Weekdays and weekends, boats leave and arrive on the half hour and each leg of the ferry takes half an hour.

Nearest Subways to Staten Island Ferry:The 1 subway to South Ferry. Take the exit toward the front of the train. The Ferry Terminal is opposite the exit.

The R or W subway to Whitehall St South Ferry. Take the exit at the front of the train. The Ferry Terminal is opposite the exit.

The 4 or 5 subway to Bowling Green. Take the exit at the front of the train. The Ferry Terminal is two blocks south via State Street.

Brooklyn Bridge: For a great view and some good ol’ fashioned exercise, nothing beats the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Plus, you can always grab some excellent pizza at Grimaldi’s or ice cream from the Brooklyn Bridge Ice Cream Factory on the other side as a reward.

Brooklyn Bridge Cross Streets:5th Avenue and 89th StreetNearest Subways to the Brooklyn Bridge:To walk across the bridge from Manhattan, 4, 5, or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall; J, M, or Z to Chambers Street.Central Park: Always a wonderful place to walk around. Pack a few snack and go explore (click link for a guide and map).

Museums:

Guggenheim - special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art (of course, the building itself has beautiful architecture).

The Metropolitan Museum of Art – So big you can get lost in this place. Choose a time period or wing of the museum or you’re bound to spend an entire day here.

American Museum of Natural History – A nice option for the kiddies.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) - my personal favorite. Don’t forget to stop at the MoMA Design Store when you’re done for some unique gifts.

Other Areas worth checking out:

Grand Central – pop in for a peak at the historic train terminal and grab a burger and fries at the throwback diner Primeburger.

Highline Park -Very cool new park opened this year. The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets. We would recommend checking out the Chelsea Market while you’re there.

East Village – Great bars, cheap eats. Check out Crocodile Lounge, where every beer you order you gets you a free pizza. If you’re still not full, hit up ChikaLicious Dessert Bar/Club for amazing desserts.

West Village – Where all the beautiful people live. Go to Fat Cats for a laid back vibe, bar games and jazz. Eat at The Spotted Pig for the best burger of your life.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge! That was my favorite part of a recent trip there. And I agree with the others here, Grimaldi's pizza is a must. I also loved hanging out in the parks, Central obviously, but I really loved Bryant. It's tucked in the middle of the city, just behind the library.

I just saw this and thought of you - top New York restaurants by a wonderful cookery writer. Hope you enjoy...http://www.thewednesdaychef.com/the_wednesday_chef/2009/11/i-was-thinking-the-other-day-that-with-my-days-in-new-york-drawing-to-a-close-my-heart-literally-just-constricted-as-i-typed.html

Ride the Staten Island FerryGet lost at Macys-find the wood escalatorsEat a slice folded the long way with grease dripping down your armLaugh at the naked cowboy in Times Squareand I would like to add:visit Central Park- sit and relax in Strawberry Fields.

Oh Lord, I LOVE the Circle Line. I used to take Eastern Europeans in town for business on the Circle Line and we'd smuggle sandwiches and vodka on board and have a grand old time.

Also, I love taking the Staten Island Ferry and it costs nothing - total cheap thrill. Ellis Island is also quite wonderful - the museum is very touching. Skip the Statue of Liberty, though. You can see it on the way to Ellis Island and wave.

Totally agree about the Met and (especially) the Cloisters (but I don't count museums as tourist attractions because art is for everyone).